Dave Ellis - Weekly Update

Gloucester and France defence coach Dave Ellis looks back at recent goings-on at Kingsholm and previews the Heineken Cup semi-finals this weekend.

Dave Ellis - Weekly Update (18-24 April)

A wet, miserable Friday in Stockport and our players worked exceptionally hard to get some sort of result, but in truth, despite all the effort displayed we were unable to match Sale's cutting edge in the three-quarters.

With Mark Cueto and Steve Hanley menacing on the flanks and the underrated duo of Jos Baxendale and Gloucester old boy Robert Todd running hard straight lines in the centres, they were simply too strong for our under strength back division.

In addition, the international half-back pairing of Bryan Redpath and Charlie Hodgson worked effectively, kicking well out of hand and at goal.

Undoubtedly, Friday's disappointing defeat further illustrated a lack of depth to our squad and the need to strengthen in the off-season. I recall a couple of seasons back when we trounced Leeds by 30 odd points, Nigel Melville had started the game with Patrice Collazo and Federico Pucciarello at props and just after half time he introduced Phil Vickery and Trevor Woodman.

I remember looking across at the Leeds team and having sympathy with their front row, to replace two hardened international props for two more must have been extremely demoralising for the opposition. If you want to challenge at the highest level you need to build a strong squad.

We have had a quiet week this week to 'lick our wounds' and prepare for the final game against Saracens at Kingsholm. Let's hope we can end the season on a high and send everyone to the clubs and pubs in good spirits.

Come Saturday and Sunday, and the focus is back on Heineken Cup rugby and two epic encounters. Stade Francais meet Biarritz at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday and Leicester entertain Toulouse on Sunday at the less glamorously named Walkers stadium.

Stade Francais certainly have the capability of beating Biarritz, they proved that by defeating them at Stade Jean-Bouin in the French league, but on the return at Aguilera were well beaten by the Basque side. Key to Stade's success will be David Skrela who picked up an injury in the weekend win over Castres Olympique and Jerome Fillol remains on standby. They also have worries over Brian Liebenberg with an ankle injury and Sylvan Marconnet has been spared training this week due to a sore back.

Biarritz too have their own mounting injury problems. Argentine centre Martin Gaitan is definitely out of the game having suffered ruptured knee ligaments in the 24-18 victory over Brive. He is likely to be replaced by fellow Argentine Federico Martin-Aramburu or talented French junior Guillaume Boussès. In addition, exciting wingers Jimmy Marlu (thigh) and Jean-Baptiste Gobelet (ankle) face late fitness tests before boarding the plane to Paris.

It will be a mighty tussle in Paris on Saturday, if Skrela doesn't make the starting line up, you would have to fancy Biarritz to make it through to Edinburgh.

The other semi featuring the Tigers and the competition's favourite Toulouse is also mouth watering. Again, much will depend on injuries and suspensions. Leicester's battle at Saracens has resulted in Martin Corry missing the game through suspension, but Martin Johnson will start, as his disciplinary meeting for picking up a third yellow card is set to be held next week. Otherwise the midlands team are at full strength.

Toulouse's big squad is being tested to the extreme. They have already lost Fabien Pelous with a knee injury and his replacement lock Romain Milo-Chhlusky is doubtful having suffered a head injury in the weekend's 21-10 victory over Clermont Auvergne. Another joining the ever growing injury list is flanker Jean Bouihou, however Toulouse have the luxury of selecting New Zealanders Finau Maka or Isitolo Maka, Irish representative Trevor Brennan or French internationals Christian Labit or Gregory Lamboley to fill their back row spots.

Home advantage could swing the balance Leicester's way, but I'm going for a Toulouse-Biarritz final, but it's so tight it could easily be the other way round.

Ed Slater took part in his first training session with his new team-mates on Tuesday morning, and told GRTV afterwards that a few familiar faces will help him settle in quickly ahead of an exciting season.

GRTV caught up with Gloucester Rugby's new signing Jason Woodward during his first week of preseason at the club. The new face spoke of his delight to be at the club, and in familiar surroundings of Hartpury College

Stephen Thomas, a regular at Gloucester Rugby's Walking Rugby sessions is in line for a top prize after being nominated for Premiership Rugby's BREAKTHRU Achiever of the Year award. He admitted to GRTV to being shocked and humbled by the news.

After a long build-up, Gloucester's Ross Moriarty made his first appearance in a British & Irish Lions shirt on Saturday. Speaking after the game, he admitted that it was good to finally get into action.

Lewis Ludlow, who has enjoyed a fine personal season, admitted to massive disappointment after the loss to Stade Francais but looked to draw positives before thanking the Gloucester fans for their support.

Friday evening will see Matt Scott return to Murrayfield, a venue he is very familiar with. Speaking ahead of the final, he admitted that he's incredibly excited about the European Rugby Challenge Cup Final against Stade Francais.